By Our Reporter
President Donald Trump of the United State has commended President Bola Tinubu for his decisive leadership in confronting terrorism and addressing insecurity in Nigeria, particularly attacks targeting Christian communities.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, Trump praised Tinubu’s commitment to tackling the country’s security challenges and reaffirmed America’s support for Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.
“I appreciate your decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people. I applaud your resolve to tackle the issues plaguing your nation, especially the violence affecting Christian communities. It is a true honour to stand with you in the fight against terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous,” Trump wrote.
The US President described the relationship between Nigeria and the United States as crucial at a time when insecurity has spread across West Africa and other parts of the world. He noted that both countries share a common objective of confronting terrorism in all its forms.
Trump also highlighted the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap, describing it as a robust framework for strengthening bilateral security collaboration. According to him, the United States has deployed its Special Operations Forces to support the Armed Forces of Nigeria with training, intelligence, and operational capabilities aimed at improving national security.
“I am proud to have deployed the United States Special Operations Forces—among the most elite military units anywhere in the world—to equip the brave men and women in the Armed Forces of Nigeria with the skills, tools and intelligence they need to protect your homeland and ensure the safety and security of citizens, particularly those of faith who have been under attack,” the letter stated.
Security cooperation between the two countries has intensified in recent months following an agreement reached by Presidents Trump and Tinubu in November last year to establish a Joint Working Group, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of both nations.
The working group has facilitated enhanced intelligence sharing, specialised military training and joint operations against terrorist groups operating in parts of Nigeria.
One of the major outcomes of the collaboration was the coordinated military operation carried out on May 16 against ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which reportedly resulted in the elimination of the group’s top leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, along with several of his lieutenants.
The renewed partnership was further reinforced last week when the US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja for meetings with senior Nigerian government officials, where he pledged to deepen cooperation between both countries in security and other strategic areas.
